Published: Monday, December 24, 2012 at 1:47 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, December 24, 2012 at 1:47 p.m.

Just after sunset Tuesday, as Christmas Day comes to a close, there will be a late present — for astronomy buffs, at least — looming in the sky to the east-southeast.

The event is called a moon-Jupiter conjunction. Jupiter will be shining at its brightest just to the top left of a brilliant full moon. The planet will be shining so bright it will be more easily visible than normal to the naked eye — if Florida's weather cooperates.

Anthony resident H.A. Grabbe, a member of the Alachua Astronomy Club, Inc., said it's not a major event expected to bring out the world's astronomers.

Still, “it's odd enough for the average person to look up and say, ‘How neat,' ” Grabbe said on Monday.

The main problem for north central Florida residents may be that a front, expected to bring rain to north central Florida late Tuesday into Wednesday, will begin passing, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Larry Struble in Jacksonville.

That could mean that the moon-Jupiter conjunction could be blocked by clouds.

“In Florida, that's always a problem,” said Grabbe, adding that the Sunshine State doesn't live up to its name in the astronomy world.

Grabbe said the Alachua Astronomy Club is the largest such club in the area. Many residents of Ocala and surrounding areas belong to the club.

If the clouds hold off long enough, the NASA Science website states the event will also be worth a look through a telescope.

“It's a beautiful apparition, visible all around the globe. Even city dwellers, who often miss astronomical events because of light pollution, can see the show,” the website states.

The website also states that “for anyone who gets a telescope for Christmas, the timing is perfect.”

And the website notes that with “a quick sweep of the telescope from Jupiter to the Moon and back again will reveal Jupiter's storms and cloud belts,” and the planet's trademark Great Red Spot will also be on display.

According to Space.com, Jupiter's bright light is one of many theories about the source of the “Star of Bethlehem,” which led wise men east to find baby Jesus.

“So, enjoy this pretty sight for itself on Christmas night, but also give a thought to what a similar sight might have meant 2,000 years ago,” Space.com noted.

Joe Callahan can be reached at 867-4113 or at joe.callahan@starbanner.com. Follow him on Twitter at JoeOcalaNews.

<p>Just after sunset Tuesday, as Christmas Day comes to a close, there will be a late present — for astronomy buffs, at least — looming in the sky to the east-southeast.</p><p>The event is called a moon-Jupiter conjunction. Jupiter will be shining at its brightest just to the top left of a brilliant full moon. The planet will be shining so bright it will be more easily visible than normal to the naked eye — if Florida's weather cooperates.</p><p>Anthony resident H.A. Grabbe, a member of the Alachua Astronomy Club, Inc., said it's not a major event expected to bring out the world's astronomers.</p><p>Still, “it's odd enough for the average person to look up and say, 'How neat,' ” Grabbe said on Monday.</p><p>The main problem for north central Florida residents may be that a front, expected to bring rain to north central Florida late Tuesday into Wednesday, will begin passing, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Larry Struble in Jacksonville.</p><p>That could mean that the moon-Jupiter conjunction could be blocked by clouds.</p><p>“In Florida, that's always a problem,” said Grabbe, adding that the Sunshine State doesn't live up to its name in the astronomy world.</p><p>Grabbe said the Alachua Astronomy Club is the largest such club in the area. Many residents of Ocala and surrounding areas belong to the club.</p><p>If the clouds hold off long enough, the NASA Science website states the event will also be worth a look through a telescope.</p><p>“It's a beautiful apparition, visible all around the globe. Even city dwellers, who often miss astronomical events because of light pollution, can see the show,” the website states.</p><p>The website also states that “for anyone who gets a telescope for Christmas, the timing is perfect.”</p><p>And the website notes that with “a quick sweep of the telescope from Jupiter to the Moon and back again will reveal Jupiter's storms and cloud belts,” and the planet's trademark Great Red Spot will also be on display.</p><p>According to Space.com, Jupiter's bright light is one of many theories about the source of the “Star of Bethlehem,” which led wise men east to find baby Jesus.</p><p>“So, enjoy this pretty sight for itself on Christmas night, but also give a thought to what a similar sight might have meant 2,000 years ago,” Space.com noted.</p><p><hr/></p><p><i>Joe Callahan can be reached at 867-4113 or at joe.callahan@starbanner.com. Follow him on Twitter at JoeOcalaNews.</i></p>